How RO Booster Pumps Improve Water Pressure and Flow

A water booster pump is just the perfect solution as it helps increase the pressure and volume of water that flows from your shower head of faucet.

A RO booster pump, also known as the reverse osmosis booster pump, is used to increase water pressure going into the reverse osmosis (RO) unit. To understand why reverse osmosis units require a RO booster pump, we need to first take a closer look at the pressure-driven process – reverse osmosis.

Small residential reverse osmosis unit typically operates on a very low pressure, which can be down to 35 psi according to some membrane makers. However, with this little water pressure, you will not receive enough water, and the water quality will be affected if it runs below 45 psi.

Low inlet pressure will lead to the production of more eject water, meaning less drinking water is able to be produced; it could also make the storage tank fill more slowly and produce water that is lower quality. This is why a RO booster pump is needed to bring up the water pressure in the reverse osmosis unit.

Normally, reverse osmosis units will run well with water pressure of 60 psi. But with a RO booster pump, the water pressure can be boosted up to 80 psi or higher which allows reverse osmosis units to run even better.

 

How Does RO Booster Pump Work?

A booster pump is essentially used to improve water pressure, and in many cases, facilitate flow rate as well. You could picture the booster pump just like a fan: the fan has blades that spin to create air movement, and the booster pump has an impeller inside that enhances water pressure and flow rate in the same fashion.

Typically, RO booster water pumps contain these components: motors, impellers, inlet and outlet, and pressure or flow sensing device. The impeller of a booster pump moves water that flows in through the inlet and exits through the outlet; the motor simply allows the impeller to spin.

Booster pumps can differ based on how they suck water in and push it out. While some water booster pumps use oscillating diaphragms, other water booster pumps utilize a spinning propeller. Booster pumps with oscillating diaphragms propel water using two rotating plates: one with cuts and the other with indentations.

They compress and force the water out as the plates roll together. As the plates open, more water can be sucked in.

 

Do You Need a RO Booster Pump?

Most city water reverse osmosis users run their reverse osmosis units with enough city water pressure, thus a booster pump is not normally required. If your city water pressure is above 60 psi, the benefit of a RO booster pump would be quite insignificant.

However, if the water pressure is 50 psi or lower, there is no reason not to take advantage of a RO booster pump because it will boost the water pressure to the desired level. This means that you will have more water with higher pressure, and your storage tank will fill much faster.

Also, the increased water pressure will also facilitate the economy of your Reverse osmosis unit by running less eject water to drain, as well as improve the quality of water.

To help potential users better assess their need, ask yourself the questions below to determine whether you need a RO booster pump:

 

• What is my water flow rate?
  Calculate how much water (in gallon) you receive per minute while taking all fixtures into consideration.
• How much water do I need?
  After calculating the water flow rate, assess how much water your household or business actually need.
• Is the water source above or below the pump?
  Consider whether or not your water must travel up multiple stories.
• How much pressure do I need?
  High water pressure during shower is generally preferred by most people, but overly high pressure could destroy fittings, plumbing and appliances. Most households have a pressure reducing valve installed where the water line enters the whole house to maintain water pressure. Keep in mind that water pressure that is over 60 psi can wear the pumping system in a household.